How to Read a NOTAM: ICAO Format Explained
A NOTAM is a notice to airmen about a change that could affect a flight, such as a closed runway, a restricted area or a navigation aid out of service. The international format is compact, but it follows a fixed layout.
The fields
- Series and number: for example A1234/26, followed by NOTAMN (new), NOTAMR (replaces another) or NOTAMC (cancels another).
- Q) line: the coded summary, covered below.
- A) the location. B) the start time. C) the end time. D) the schedule, if the NOTAM is active only at certain times. E) the plain text. F) and G) the lower and upper limits.
The Q-line
Q) OPKR/QRTCA/IV/BO/W/000/150/2530N06400E040
- OPKR: the flight information region.
- QRTCA: the code. R means airspace restrictions, RT a temporary restricted area, CA activated.
- IV: traffic affected, IFR and VFR.
- BO: purpose, for briefing and for flight operations.
- W: scope, a navigation warning.
- 000/150: from the surface up to flight level 150.
- 2530N06400E040: the centre of the area, 25°30'N 064°00'E, with a radius of 40 NM.
Times
B) 2610160600 means year 26, month 10, day 16, 06:00 UTC. C) works the same way. A NOTAM may also say PERM for permanent or EST if the end time is an estimate.
Using NOTAMs
- Always get them from the official source for each country.
- Check the validity against your time of flight, and the levels against your cruise level.
- If the area is on your route and at your level, plan a way around it or choose another route.
The NOTAM decoder on this site draws the area and checks it against your route. The example above is made up for practice.
FAQ
What does the E line contain?
The NOTAM message itself, in abbreviated plain language, such as a runway closure or the activity in a restricted area.
What does NOTAMR mean?
It means the NOTAM replaces an earlier one. The one it replaces is named in the message.
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- How to Read a METAR: A Plain-English Guide
- How to Read a TAF: Airport Forecasts Explained
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- How to File a Flight Plan: Steps for Pilots and Dispatchers
For training and reference only. Check official sources before any real flight.